Ballarat is all set to host the V/Line Cup for the first time, with 600 of the best under 15 footballers from country Victoria to participate in the annual carnival from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 September, 2024.
 
The 75th edition of the carnival will take place in AFL Grand Final week, with programs in the process of locking in squads, some of which have been confirmed (link to submitted squads below).
 
The V/Line Cup comprises three divisions – two boys divisions and a girls division – and features representative teams from seven regions, playing in a total of 21 matches. Each team will contest two matches over the three days, with 70 emerging umpires to officiate the competition.

• Click here to view the 2024 V/Line Cup playing squads
• Click here to view the 2024 V/Line Cup fixture on PlayHQ

Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Recreation Reserve in Sebastopol and Learmonth Reserve are the venues hosting matches over the three days of play.
 
The V/Line Cup is Victoria's premier under 15 representative footy carnival for country boys and girls, with a rich history dating back to 1949, when the title was won by Goulburn Valley.
 
A girls division has been part of the program since 2010.
 
V/Line has been the carnival’s naming rights sponsor since 2004 and AFL Victoria recently announced an extension of its long-standing V/Line partnership.
 
This tournament is an important part of Victoria’s talent pathway system, providing aspiring young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and put forward a case for selection for Coates Talent League lists in years to come.
 
The City of Ballarat will welcome V/Line Cup participants, their families and spectators to the historic Goldfields city. With some of the finest sporting facilities in regional Victoria, Ballarat has established itself as a destination for sporting events. The event is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy.
 
Players and their families will travel from across the state to be involved. There will be free entry to all match days, and all games will be live streamed.
 
The 2024 carnival will feature boys and girls teams representing the following regions:

• Bendigo Pioneers
• Geelong Falcons
• Gippsland Power
• Goulburn Murray Bushrangers
• Greater Western Victoria Rebels
• North East Border Bushrangers
• South East Stingrays

 
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said: “Congratulations to all players selected to represent their regions in the 2024 V/Line Cup, the premier annual carnival for the best under 15 boys and girls footballers from across country Victoria.
 
“The V/Line Cup has a rich history dating back to 1949 and is an important part of the talent pathway system, which gives young players from country regions the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of trying out for Coates Talent League lists in years to come.
 
“I would like to acknowledge V/Line’s ongoing support of country footy in Victoria and thank the City of Ballarat for hosting what will be a fantastic event in one of our state’s premier regional sporting locations.”
 
V/Line CEO Matt Carrick said: “V/Line is incredibly proud of our ongoing support for the V/Line Cup, with the 2024 event marking 20 years of our partnership with AFL Victoria.

“Having been previously staged in Gippsland and Shepparton, excitement is now building in Ballarat ahead of the event and we wish all players, umpires, coaches and support staff the best for the upcoming tournament.
 
“We’re passionate about being involved in the communities we serve, and we look forward to supporting the future of this fantastic carnival and seeing the next generation of rising stars showcase their skills.”
 
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the 2024 V/Line Cup, in what promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, as some of the most talented young Australian footballers from around the country come together to compete.
 
“At the City of Ballarat, we are incredibly proud of the sporting amenities we have, particularly in the Australian Rules Football space. It is a credit to our staff for their dedication to maintain and develop wonderful ovals and facilities.
 
“I wish all footballers and officials the best of luck and I hope all spectators enjoy their stay in Ballarat.”